Folded module and portable electronic device including a folded module

ABSTRACT

A folded module includes a housing, a carrier provided in the housing, and a rotation holder provided on the carrier and including a reflective member. The carrier is rotatable, with respect to the housing, around a first axis formed by one rotating shaft ball, the rotation holder is rotatable with respect to the carrier around a second axis formed by two ball members, and the first axis and the second axis intersect each other, and the one rotating shaft ball and the two ball members are provided together on a plane on which both the first axis and the second axis are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/142,717 filed on Jan. 6, 2021, which claims the benefit under 35 USC119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0032090 filed on Mar.16, 2020, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0079633 filed onJun. 29, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The following description relates to a folded module and a portableelectronic device including a Folded Module.

2. Description of the Background

In recent years, cameras have been basically employed in portableelectronic devices such as smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs),and laptops, and autofocusing (AF), optical image stabilization (OIS),zoom functions and the like have been added to cameras for mobileterminals.

In addition, a camera module may be provided with an actuator directlymoving a lens module or indirectly moving a reflection module includinga reflective member to correct shake. In addition, the actuator may movethe lens module or the reflection module in a direction intersectingthat of an optical axis with driving force of a magnet and a coil.

On the other hand, in recent years, demand for video recording deviceshas increased rapidly, and there is a problem in that it is difficult toaccurately correct shaking when shaking occurs continuously, such as invideo recording, in the related art.

In addition, when a subject to be imaged moves during video recording,there may be inconvenience in that the user must directly move a mobilecommunications terminal to adjust the imaging direction of the cameramodule to the moving subject, and it may be difficult to accuratelycapture video footage.

The above information is presented as background information only toassist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determinationhas been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the abovemight be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts insimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

In one general aspect, a folded module includes a housing, a carrierdisposed in the housing, and a rotation holder disposed on the carrierand including a reflective member. The carrier is rotatable, withrespect to the housing, around a first axis formed by one rotating shaftball, the rotation holder is rotatable with respect to the carrieraround a second axis formed by two ball members, and the first axis andthe second axis intersect each other, and the one rotating shaft balland the two ball members are disposed on a plane including both thefirst axis and the second axis.

When viewed in a first axis direction, the rotating shaft ball and thetwo ball members may be aligned in a second axis direction.

The carrier may include a first magnet for driving, and the rotationholder may include a second magnet for driving, and the first magnet andthe second magnet may have a rounded shape.

Inner side ends of the first magnet and the second magnet may correspondto an arc shape of a circle centered on the rotating shaft ball.

The housing may include a first coil and a second coil which face thefirst magnet and the second magnet, in the housing.

At least one of the first coil and the second coil may be provided inplural.

The at least one of the first coil and the second coil provided inplural may be disposed in a bent shape as a whole.

The carrier may be supported on the housing by the one rotating shaftball and two guide balls.

The carrier may include a first magnet for driving, and a center of thefirst magnet may be disposed inside of a triangle formed by the onerotating shaft ball and the two guide balls.

The guide ball may be disposed in a first guide portion and a secondguide portion which are provided in the carrier and the housing,respectively.

The first guide portion and the second guide portion may have a linearshape.

One of the first guide portion and the second guide portion may have awidth wider than a width of the other, for the guide ball to onlycontact a bottom surface while the guide ball is moving.

The guide ball may be supported by two points on both sides of one ofthe first guide portion and the second guide portion, and may besupported by one point only on a bottom surface of the other.

Positions of the one rotating shaft ball and the two ball members may befixed.

A portable electronic device may include a plurality of camera moduleshaving different angles of view, wherein at least one of the pluralityof camera modules may be a camera module comprising the folded module.

The plurality of camera modules may be disposed in a plurality ofcameras.

In another general aspect, a folded module includes a housing having aninternal space of which at least a portion is rounded, a carrierdisposed in the internal space and at least partially rounded, and arotation holder disposed on the carrier. The carrier is rotatable, withrespect to the housing, about a first axis, and both the rounded shapeof the internal space and the rounded shape of the carrier correspond toa shape of an arc of a circle centered on the first axis.

A portable electronic device may include a plurality of cameras havingcamera modules having different angles of view, wherein at least one ofthe plurality of camera modules may include the folded module.

Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detaileddescription, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of portable electronic devicesaccording to one or more examples.

FIG. 2 is a reference diagram illustrating an imaging angle of view of aplurality of camera modules mounted in a portable electronic deviceaccording to one or more examples.

FIG. 3 is a reference diagram illustrating an image display screen of aplurality of camera modules mounted in a portable electronic deviceaccording to one or more examples.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one or moreexamples.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a camera module accordingto one or more examples.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according oneor more examples.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a housing of a camera module accordingto one or more examples.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a reflection module and a lens modulecoupled to a housing of a camera module according to one or moreexamples.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a housing and a reflectionmodule of a camera module according to one or more examples.

FIG. 10A is a detailed upper exploded perspective view of a housing anda reflection module of a camera module according to one or moreexamples.

FIG. 10B is a detailed lower exploded perspective view of a housing anda reflection module of a camera module according to one or moreexamples.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a holder and a carrier of acamera module according to one or more examples.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views illustrating shapes in which anauxiliary member (stopper or damper) is coupled to a carrier in a cameramodule according to one or more examples.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for schematically illustrating a statein which a holder rotates relative to a carrier in a camera moduleaccording to one or more examples.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a carrier and a housing of acamera module according to one or more examples.

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a reflection module of a cameramodule according to one or more examples.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are reference diagrams illustrating an example inwhich a ball member of a camera module, according to one or moreexamples, is fixed to a guide portion to be supported by three points.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are excerpt cross-sectional views of a state in whicha carrier is coupled to a housing of a camera module according to one ormore examples.

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view for schematically illustrating astate in which a carrier rotates relative to a housing in a cameramodule according to one or more examples.

FIG. 19 is a reference diagram for explaining the arrangement of a ballmember in which a carrier is supported by a housing, and a positionalrelationship thereof with another member, in a camera module, accordingto one or more examples.

FIG. 20 is a reference diagram illustrating a driving unit used for areflection module in a camera module according to one or more examples.

FIG. 21 is a reference diagram for explaining the positionalrelationship of two axes in which a reflection module rotates in acamera module according to one or more examples.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are views for explaining the shape of an opening of acover (cover member) in a camera module according to one or moreexamples.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an integrated substrate installed in acamera module according to one or more examples.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which anintegrated substrate is installed in a housing of a camera moduleaccording to one or more examples.

FIG. 25 is a reference diagram illustrating that a camera module has twolens barrels according to one or more other examples.

FIG. 26 is a reference diagram illustrating that a camera module hasthree lens barrels according to one or more still other examples.

Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same referencenumerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be to scale,and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in thedrawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, while examples of the present disclosure will be describedin detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is noted thatexamples are not limited to the same.

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader ingaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses,and/or systems described herein. However, various changes,modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and/orsystems described herein will be apparent after an understanding of thisdisclosure. For example, the sequences of operations described hereinare merely examples, and are not limited to those set forth herein, butmay be changed as will be apparent after an understanding of thisdisclosure, with the exception of operations necessarily occurring in acertain order. Also, descriptions of features that would be well knownin the art may be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

The features described herein may be embodied in different forms, andare not to be construed as being limited to the examples describedherein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided merelyto illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing themethods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein that will beapparent after an understanding of this disclosure.

Herein, it is noted that use of the term “may” with respect to anembodiment or example, for example, as to what an embodiment or examplemay include or implement, means that at least one embodiment or exampleexists in which such a feature is included or implemented while allembodiments and examples are not limited thereto.

Throughout the specification, when an element, such as a layer, region,or substrate, is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupledto” another element, it may be directly “on,” “connected to,” or“coupled to” the other element, or there may be one or more otherelements intervening therebetween. In contrast, when an element isdescribed as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directlycoupled to” another element, there can be no other elements interveningtherebetween. As used herein “portion” of an element may include thewhole element or less than the whole element.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any one and any combinationof any two or more of the associated listed items; likewise, “at leastone of” includes any one and any combination of any two or more of theassociated listed items.

Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used hereinto describe various members, components, regions, layers, or sections,these members, components, regions, layers, or sections are not to belimited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguishone member, component, region, layer, or section from another member,component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first member, component,region, layer, or section referred to in examples described herein mayalso be referred to as a second member, component, region, layer, orsection without departing from the teachings of the examples.

Spatially relative terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” “lower,” andthe like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe oneelement's relationship to another element as illustrated in the figures.Such spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, an element described as being “above” or “upper”relative to another element will then be “below” or “lower” relative tothe other element. Thus, the term “above” encompasses both the above andbelow orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device.The device may also be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative terms usedherein are to be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for describing various examples only, andis not to be used to limit the disclosure. The articles “a,” “an,” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes,”and “has” specify the presence of stated features, numbers, operations,members, elements, and/or combinations thereof, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations,members, elements, and/or combinations thereof.

Due to manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, variations of theshapes illustrated in the drawings may occur. Thus, the examplesdescribed herein are not limited to the specific shapes illustrated inthe drawings, but include changes in shape that occur duringmanufacturing.

The features of the examples described herein may be combined in variousways as will be apparent after gaining an understanding of thisdisclosure. Further, although the examples described herein have avariety of configurations, other configurations are possible as will beapparent after an understanding of this disclosure.

Examples disclosed herein describe a folded module in which shaking maybe easily controlled in not only imaging a fixed subject, but also incapturing video of a moving subject, and a camera module including thesame.

Examples disclosed herein describe a folded module capable of tracking amoving subject and correcting shake, and a portable electronic deviceincluding the same.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of portable electronic devicesaccording to one or more examples, and FIG. 2 is a reference diagramillustrating an imaging angle of view of a plurality of camera modulesmounted in a portable electronic device according to one or moreexamples, and FIG. 3 is a reference diagram illustrating an imagedisplay screen of a plurality of camera modules mounted in a portableelectronic device according to one or more examples.

Portable electronic devices 1 and 2 may be portable electronic devicessuch as mobile communication terminals, smart phones, and tablet PCs.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a plurality of camera modules aremounted in the portable electronic devices 1 and 2 to capture a subject.For example, the portable electronic device may include a first cameramodule 1000 and a second camera module 500.

In each of FIGS. 1A and 1B, two camera modules may be provided. FIG. 1Aillustrates a case in which the first camera module 1000 and the secondcamera module 500 are sequentially disposed in a width direction (arelatively short side direction) of the portable electronic device 1,while FIG. 1B illustrates a case in which the first camera module 1000and the second camera module 500 are sequentially disposed in a lengthdirection (relatively long side direction) of the portable electronicdevice 2.

In the case of using two camera modules, entrance ports through whichlight is incident on the two camera modules may be disposed to be asclose to each other as possible.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the first camera module 1000 and thesecond camera module 500 are configured to have different angles ofview.

The first camera module 1000 is configured with a relatively narrowangle of view (e.g., a telephoto camera), and the second camera module500 is configured with a relatively wide angle of view (e.g., awide-angle camera). In this case, the first camera module 1000 maycorrespond to a camera module described below with reference to FIGS. 4to 25 .

For example, the angle of view θ1 of the first camera module 1000 may beformed in the range of 9° to 35°, and the angle of view θ2 of the secondcamera module 500 may be formed in the range of 60° to 120°.

By designing different angles of view of the two camera modules asdescribed above, an image of a subject may be imaged at various depths.

On the other hand, the portable electronic devices 1 and 2 according toone or more examples may have a Picture in Picture (PIP) function.

For example, the portable electronic device 1, 2 may display an imagecaptured by a camera module having a relatively narrower field of view(e.g., by the first camera module 1000) in an image captured by a cameramodule having a relatively wider field of view (e.g., by the secondcamera module 500).

For example, a subject of interest may be imaged with a narrow angle ofview (thus, the subject of interest is enlarged) and may be displayed inan image imaged with a wide angle of view.

When shooting a video, a subject of interest may move, and thus, acamera module having a narrower angle of view (for example, the firstcamera module 1000) may have a reflection module (folded module) thatrotates to capture an image according to the movement of the subject ofinterest. Accordingly, the light incident on the first camera module1000 may be reflected by a reflective member of the reflection module sothat the light path is changed and then incident on a lens module.

For example, the first camera module 1000 may rotate the reflectionmodule to track the movement of the subject of interest.

For example, the reflection module provided in the first camera module1000 may be rotated based on a first axis (X axis) and a second axis (Yaxis). Accordingly, the first camera module 1000 may correct shake thatmay occur during imaging.

In this case, the first axis (X axis) means an axis perpendicular to theoptical axis (Z axis), and the second axis (Y axis) means an axisperpendicular to both the optical axis (Z axis) and the first axis (Xaxis). In addition, the first axis (X axis) and the second axis (Yaxis), rotation axes of the reflection module of the first camera module1000, may intersect the optical axis (Z axis); and the optical axis (Zaxis), the first axis (X axis) and the second axis (Y axis) may meet atapproximately any one point.

FIG. 3 illustrates a range of a subject that may be imaged using thefirst camera module 1000 and the second camera module 500 installed inthe portable electronic devices 1 and 2 according to one or moreexamples.

The second camera module 500 having a relatively wide field of view iscapable of imaging a subject of a relatively large area, and the firstcamera module 1000 having a relatively narrow field of view may image asubject of a relatively narrow area.

In detail, the first camera module 1000 may image an inner area of awide imaging range W captured by the second camera module 500, as ateleimaging range T1 to T9, and thus, an image captured as theteleimaging range T1 to T9 may be displayed inside of an image capturedas the wide imaging range W. Of course, the teleimaging range T1 to T9imaged by the first camera module 1000 may overlap a portion of theinner area of the wide imaging range W and an exterior thereof, or maybe an outer area of the wide imaging range W.

On the other hand, since the first camera module 1000 includes areflection module (folded module) that rotates about the first axis (Xaxis) and the second axis (Y axis) intersecting the optical axis (Zaxis), the image captured by the first camera module 1000 may beinclined to an image captured by the second camera module 500 bychanging an imaging angle by rotation of the reflection module, which isa case in which the angle of T1 to T3 or T7 to T9 of the teleimagingrange illustrated in the reference diagram of FIG. 3 is changed by therotation of the reflection module.

Accordingly, in the case of an image (video) taken of T1 to T3 or T7 toT9 as a subject, among the teleimaging range taken by the first cameramodule 1000, the image may be rotated to be aligned with a capturedimage (video) of the second camera module 500 to implement the PIPfunction.

To implement these functions, the camera modules 1000 and 500 of theportable electronic devices 1 and 2 may be provided with a control unitfor editing an image or implementing a PIP function.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one or moreexamples, FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a camera moduleaccording to one or more examples, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspectiveview of a camera module according to one or more examples, FIG. 7 is aperspective view of a housing of a camera module according to one ormore examples, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view in which a reflectionmodule and a lens module are combined in a housing of a camera moduleaccording to one or more examples.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8 , a camera module 1000 according to one ormore examples includes a reflection module 1100 (folded module) and alens module 1200 provided in a housing 1010.

The reflection module 1100 is configured to change the travelingdirection of light. As an example, the travelling direction of the lightincident through an opening 1031 of a cover 1030 (for example, a shieldcan) covering the camera module 1000 from the top may be changed to bedirected toward the lens module 1200 through the reflection module 1100.To this end, the reflection module 1100 may include a reflective member1150 reflecting light.

The reflective member 1150 may include a chamfer 1153 in which a cornerof the reflective member 1150 is cut to reduce light reflection orscattering.

The path of light incident in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction)of the camera module 1000 is changed by the reflection module 1100 tosubstantially coincide with the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

To this end, the reflection module 1100 includes the reflective member1150 reflecting light. Then, the light incident on the lens module 1200may be converted into an electric signal by an image sensor (notillustrated) after passing through the plurality of lenses and then bestored.

The lens module 1200 includes a plurality of lenses through which lightwhose traveling direction has been changed by the reflection module 1100passes. In addition, the lens module 1200 includes at least one lensbarrel. Autofocusing (AF) or a zoom function may be implemented by themovement of at least one lens barrel in the optical axis direction(Z-axis).

An image sensor module (not illustrated) may include an image sensor(not illustrated) for converting light passing through a plurality oflenses into electric signals, and a printed circuit board (notillustrated) on which the image sensor is mounted.

In an internal space of the housing 1010, the reflection module 1100 isprovided in front of the lens module 1200, centered on the lens module1200, and the image sensor module (not illustrated) is provided at therear of the lens module 1200.

In addition, a baffle 1300 may be provided at the rear of the lensmodule 1200 in the housing 1010 to block unnecessary light that may flowtoward the image sensor, to reduce flare. In the drawing, only onebaffle 1300 is illustrated, but two or more baffles 1300 may also beprovided.

To implement a telephoto camera, the focal length may be increased, andaccordingly, the distance between the lens module 1200 and the imagesensor may be increased.

Accordingly, the baffle 1300 may be provided to block unnecessary lightin an internal optical path of the housing 1010. The baffle 1300 is amember fitted into the inner space of the housing 1010, and may reducethe size of the optical path so that excessive reflection does not occurwhen light passes through the inner space of the housing 1010.

The reflection module 1100 and the lens module 1200 are sequentiallyprovided from one side to the other side in the housing 1010.

For example, as illustrated in the drawing, the housing 1010 may beintegrally provided so that both the reflection module 1100 and the lensmodule 1200 are inserted into the inner space thereof.

By using the integrated housing 1010, there is no need to separatelyalign the optical axes of the reflection module 1100 and the lens module1200, and since the housing is provided as one, the number of componentsmay be reduced, and thus assembly may be very easy.

However, examples of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, andfor example, separate housings into which the reflection module 1100 andthe lens module 1200 are inserted respectively may be interconnected.

In this embodiment, the reflective member 1150 provided in thereflection module 1100 may have a rotation angle of approximately ±10degrees with respect to the first axis (X-axis) (a total of 20 degreesmay be rotated), and a rotation angle of approximately ±25 degrees withrespect to the second axis (Y-axis) (a total of 50 degrees may berotated), and for example, may rotate in a fairly large range.

Accordingly, a space in the housing 1010 in which the reflection module1100 is provided may have a greater width, for example, a greater lengthin the X-axis direction, than that of a space in which the lens module1200 is provided.

For example, in the housing 1010, the width of the space in which thereflection module 1100 is provided (length in the X-axis direction) isreferred to as ‘A’, and the width of the space in which the lens module1200 is provided (the length in the X-axis direction) is referred to‘B’, the relationship of ‘2>A/B>1’ may be satisfied.

The light whose path is changed by the reflection module 1100 isincident on the lens module 1200. Therefore, a plurality of lensesprovided in the lens module 1200 are provided to be stacked in a Z-axisdirection, which is a direction in which light is emitted from thereflection module 1100.

In addition, the lens module 1200 includes a third driving unit toimplement autofocusing (AF) and zoom functions.

The lens module 1200 includes a lens holder 1220 provided in a secondspace 1090 of the housing 1010 and including a stacked lens therein, anda third driving unit for moving the lens holder 1220.

The lens holder 1220 accommodates a plurality of lenses for imaging asubject, and the plurality of lenses are mounted in the lens holder 1220along an optical axis. The lens holder 1220 may separately include alens barrel in which a plurality of lenses are stacked, and a carriersurrounding the lens barrel. Alternatively, a plurality of lenses may bestacked in the lens holder 1220 itself.

The lens holder 1220 is configured to move in the direction of theoptical axis (Z axis) to implement an autofocusing or zoom function.

The third driving unit generates driving force so that the lens holder1220 may move in the optical axis (Z axis) direction. For example, thethird driving unit may move the lens holder 1220 to change the distancebetween the lens holder 1220 and the reflection module 1100.

For example, the third driving unit includes a plurality of thirdmagnets 1241 a and 1243 a and a plurality of third coils 1241 b and 1243b disposed to face the plurality of third magnets 1241 a and 1243 a.

When power is applied to the plurality of third coils 1241 b and 1243 b,the lens holder 1220 on which the plurality of third magnets 1241 a and1243 a are mounted may be moved in the direction of the optical axis (Zaxis) by an electromagnetic influence between the plurality of thirdmagnets 1241 a and 1243 a and the plurality of third coils 1241 b and1243 b.

The plurality of third magnets 1241 a and 1243 a are mounted in the lensholder 1220. For example, the plurality of third magnets 1241 a and 1243a may be mounted on the side of the lens holder 1220.

The plurality of third coils 1241 b and 1243 b are mounted in thehousing 1010. For example, a main substrate 1070 may be mounted in thehousing 1010 in a state in which the plurality of third coils 1241 b and1243 b are mounted on the main substrate 1070.

In this case, for convenience of explanation, in the drawing, both acoil for the reflection module 1100 and a coil for the lens module 1200are mounted on the main substrate 1070, but the configuration is notlimited thereto, and the main substrate 1070 may be provided as separatesubstrates on which the coil for the reflection module 1100 and the coilfor the lens module 1200 are mounted respectively.

In this embodiment, when the lens holder 1220 is moved, a closed loopcontrol method in which the position of the lens holder 1220 is sensedand fed back is used. Therefore, a third position detection sensor 1243c is required for closed loop control. The third position detectionsensor 1243 c may be a Hall sensor.

The third position detection sensor 1243 c is disposed inside or outsideof at least one third coil 1243 b, and the third position detectionsensor 1243 c may be mounted on the main substrate 1070 on which thethird coil 1243 b is mounted.

The lens holder 1220 is provided in the housing 1010 to be movable inthe optical axis (Z axis) direction. For example, a plurality of thirdball members 1250 are disposed between the lens holder 1220 and thehousing 1010.

The plurality of third ball members 1250 serve as bearings that guidethe movement of the lens holder 1220, and also function to maintain agap between the lens holder 1220 and the housing 1010.

The plurality of third ball members 1250 are configured to roll or slidein the optical axis (Z axis) direction when driving force is generatedin the optical axis (Z axis) direction. Accordingly, the plurality ofthird ball members 1250 guide the movement of the lens holder 1220 inthe optical axis (Z axis) direction.

A plurality of seventh guide portions 1221 and 1231 accommodating theplurality of third ball members 1250 are formed on at least one ofsurfaces of the lens holder 1220 and the housing 1010, facing eachother.

The plurality of third ball members 1250 are accommodated in theplurality of seventh guide portions 1221 and 1231 and are fitted betweenthe lens holder 1220 and the housing 1010.

The plurality of seventh guide portions 1221 and 1231 may have a shapehaving a length in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

The plurality of third ball members 1250 are restricted in movement inthe X-axis and Y-axis directions perpendicular to the optical axis inthe state of being accommodated in the plurality of seventh guideportions 1221, 1231 and only move in the optical axis (Z-axis)direction. For example, the plurality of third ball members 1250 mayonly roll in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

To this end, the plurality of seventh guide portions 1221, 1231 mayrespectively be formed in a shape elongated in the optical axis (Z axis)direction. In addition, cross-sections of the plurality of seventh guideportions 1221 may have various shapes such as a curved shape or apolygonal shape.

In this case, the lens holder 1220 is pressed toward the housing 1010 sothat the plurality of third ball members 1250 may maintain contactthereof with the lens holder 1220 and the housing 1010.

To this end, a third yoke 1260 may be mounted on the bottom surface ofthe housing 1010 to face the plurality of third magnets 1241 a and 1243a mounted in the lens holder 1220. The third yoke 1260 may be a magneticmaterial.

Attractive force acts between the third yoke 1260 and the plurality ofthird magnets 1241 a and 1243 a. Accordingly, the lens holder 1220 maybe moved in the optical axis (Z axis) direction by the driving force ofthe third driving unit in a state in contact with the plurality of thirdball members 1250.

The lens holder 1220 is supported by the housing 1010 by the attractiveforce of the third yoke 1260 and the plurality of third magnets 1241 aand 1243 a, but accordingly, the lens holder 1220 may be separated by anexternal force such as external impacts or the like to collide withother members such as the cover 1030 or the like.

Accordingly, in an example of the present disclosure, a third auxiliarymember 1280 may be provided to prevent the lens holder 1220 from beingdisplaced and to absorb an impact even in the case in which shaking byan external force occurs.

The third auxiliary member 1280 serves as a stopper or damper, isprovided in an approximately ‘E’ shape, and both ends thereof may befitted and fixed to the housing 1010 to cover the lens holder 1220 fromthe top.

The third auxiliary member 1280 may additionally include a dampingmember formed of an elastic material on various portions thereof toabsorb shock. For example, in the process of moving the lens holder 1220in the optical axis direction, the front end or the rear end of the lensholder 1220 in the optical axis direction may contact the thirdauxiliary member 1280, and in this case, both ends of the thirdauxiliary member 1280 may be provided with a damper 1283.

The third auxiliary member 1280 may be provided as two third auxiliarymembers to be installed on both sides of the lens holder 1220,respectively.

The housing 1010 is covered by the cover 1030.

The cover 1030 has an opening 1031 so that light is incident therein,and the light incident through the opening 1031 is changed in atraveling direction by the reflection module 1100 so that the lightenters the lens module 1200. The cover 1030 may be integrally providedto cover the entire housing 1010, or may be divided into separatemembers covering the reflection module 1100 and the lens module 1200,respectively.

The opening 1031 provided in the cover 1030 may be provided in asubstantially hexagonal shape. The reflection module 1100, according tothe present embodiment, is capable of relatively large rotation based onthe second axis (Y axis), and accordingly, when the reflective member1150 is rotated to the maximum, based on the second axis (Y-axis), ashort edge of the reflective member 1150 and the side of the cover 1030may be disposed substantially parallel to each other.

Referring further to FIG. 7 , the housing 1010 includes the reflectionmodule 1100 and the lens module 1200 in an internal space. Accordingly,the internal space of the housing 1010 may be divided into a first space1080 in which the reflection module 1100 is disposed and a second space1090 in which the lens module 1200 is disposed.

The first space 1080 in which the reflection module 1100 is disposed inthe housing 1010 may be provided so that the inner space has a roundedshape, such that a carrier 1110 rotating relatively widely may be easilyrotated.

Further, since the plurality of coils 1114, 1134, 1241 b, and 1243 b areprovided in the housing 1010 while being mounted on the main substrate1070, a plurality of through-holes 1010 a, 1010 b, 1010 c, and 1010 dmay be provided in the housing 1010 in such a manner that the pluralityof coils 1114, 1134, 1241 b, and 1243 b are exposed to the inner spaceof the housing 1010.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a housing and a reflectionmodule of a camera module according to one or more examples, and FIG.10A is a detailed upper exploded perspective view of a housing and areflection module of a camera module according to one or more examples,and FIG. 10B is a detailed lower exploded perspective view of a housingand a reflection module of a camera module according to one or moreexamples.

Referring further to FIGS. 9 to 10B, the reflection module 1100 includesthe carrier 1110 provided in the housing 1010 and a rotation holder 1130provided in the carrier 1110.

The carrier 1110 rotates with respect to the housing 1010 about a secondaxis A2 (an axis parallel to the Y axis), and the rotation holder 1130rotates with respect to the carrier 1110 about a first axis A1 (an axisparallel to the X axis).

Referring further to FIGS. 14 to 19 , the carrier 1110 is provided inthe first space 1080 of the housing 1010. The carrier 1110 is closelysupported with a first ball member 1111 sandwiched between the bottomsurface of the housing 1010 and the carrier 1110, and the carrier 1110is rotationally driven by a first driving unit. At least a portion ofthe first space 1080 may be provided in a rounded shape to facilitate arelatively large rotation of the carrier 1110. In more detail, at leasta portion of the inner surface of the first space 1080 may be providedto correspond to an arc shape of a circle centered on the second axisA2.

In addition, the carrier 1110 may be provided such that at least aportion thereof has a rounded shape, to facilitate the relatively largerotation thereof in the first space 1080. In further detail, at least aportion of the carrier 1110 may be provided corresponding to the arcshape of a circle centered on the second axis A2.

Further, the rotation holder 1130 mounted on the carrier 1110 may beprovided such that at least a portion thereof has a rounded shape, tofacilitate the relatively large rotation in the first space 1080. Morespecifically, at least a portion of the rotation holder 1130 may beprovided to correspond to the arc shape of a circle centered on thesecond axis A2.

The first driving unit includes a first magnet 1113 and a first coil1114.

Accordingly, a first yoke 1112 is provided on the bottom surface of thehousing 1010, and the first yoke 1112 enables the carrier 1110 to be inclose contact with the bottom surface of the housing 1010 by attractionforce with the first magnet 1113 provided in the carrier 1110.

At least three first ball members (1111) 1111 a, 1111 b, and 1111 c maybe provided between the bottom surface of the housing 1010 and thecarrier 1110.

One of the three first ball members, a rotating shaft ball 1111 a, formsthe second axis A2 (an axis parallel to the Y-axis), which is a rotationaxis in which the carrier 1110 rotates with respect to the housing 1010,and the other ball members, guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c may help tofacilitate rotation of the carrier 1110.

In this case, the second axis A2 may be perpendicular to a planeincluding a triangle connecting the three first ball members (1111) 1111a, 1111 b, and 1111 c.

Since the rotating shaft ball 1111 a should form a rotating shaft, theposition is not changed and the rotating shaft ball may be rotated orfixed in place by itself while being fixed in one place. Accordingly,the carrier 1110 may rotate about the rotating shaft ball 1111 a.

The guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c are provided on a position other thanthe rotation axis, to guide the rotation of the carrier 1110, and thusmay be provided to roll or slide. Accordingly, the movement of thecarrier 1110 may be guided by the rolling or sliding of the guide balls1111 b and 1111 c.

Accordingly, a guide portion or the like into which the rotating shaftball 1111 a is inserted is provided on the bottom surface of the housing1010 and the lower surface of the carrier 1110.

A first guide portion 1121 a may be provided in the housing 1010 suchthat the rotating shaft ball 1111 a is inserted, and a second guideportion 1121 b may be provided in the carrier 1110. Since the rotatingshaft ball 1111 a having a spherical shape should not be moved inposition, at least one of the first guide portion 1121 a and the secondguide portion 1121 b may be supported by at least three points with therotating shaft ball 1111 a.

For example, the first guide portion 1121 a and the second guide portion1121 b may be provided in a shape in which each corner is cut in atriangular pyramid (tetrahedral) shape as illustrated in FIGS. 16A and16B, which will be described later.

Alternatively, the rotating shaft ball 1111 a may be fixedly provided toone of the housing 1010 or the carrier 1110, and the guide portion thatis not moved in position is provided in the other of the housing 1010 orthe carrier 1110.

Third guide portions 1123 a may be provided in the housing 1010 andfourth guide portions 1123 b may be provided in the carrier 1110, suchthat the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c are inserted. Since the sphericalguide balls 1111 b and 1111 c are preferably moved in position, thethird guide portion 1123 a and the fourth guide portion 1123 b may beprovided to be elongated in the rotation direction of the carrier 1110.

In this embodiment, the third guide portion 1123 a and the fourth guideportion 1123 b may be provided in a straight line shape in the rotationdirection.

In the case in which the third guide portion 1123 a and the fourth guideportion 1123 b are provided in a straight line shape, one of the thirdguide portion 1123 a and the fourth guide portion 1123 b may be providedto have an additional degree of freedom. This is because the guide balls1111 b and 1111 c support the rotating carrier 1110, and thus, ifconfigured to be only moved in a straight direction, the guide may notbe properly performed.

For example, among the third guide portion 1123 a and the fourth guideportion 1123 b, as illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, respectively,selectively, one is supported by at least two points, including a sidesurface of a ‘V-shaped’ or ‘U-shaped’ groove, by the guide balls 1111 band 1111 c, and the other is supported by one point on a substantiallyflat bottom surface by the guide ball 1111 b, 1111 c, not contacting theside surface of the groove.

Accordingly, there is no restraint on the side surface inside of theguide portion that does not contact the side of the groove and issupported only by one point on the bottom surface, and thus, the ballmay move left and right along the bottom surface, thereby providing anadditional degree of freedom. Therefore, even when the carrier 1110rotates, the rolling of the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c may berelatively smooth.

Referring to FIG. 17A, a rotating portion 1110 which rotates relative toa fixed portion 1010 with respect to a rotation axis may be guided bythe guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c. The guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c mayinclude a third guide portion 1123 a and a fourth guide portion 1123 bthat are provided in a straight line substantially in a rotationaldirection. In this case, the third guide portion 1123 a provided in thehousing that is the fixed portion 1010 has a bottom surface 26 a andboth side surfaces 25 a, and the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c may besupported by at least two points on both side surfaces 25 a (may also besupported up to the bottom surface 26 a).

In addition, the fourth guide portion 1123 b provided in the carrier,which is the rotating portion 1110, has a bottom surface 26 b and bothside surfaces 25 b, and the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c are by onepoint on the bottom surface 26 a. When the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 ccome into contact with one of the side surfaces 25 b, the guide balls1111 b and 1111 c are no longer able to roll over, and thus, both sidesurfaces 25 b may serve as stoppers.

In this manner, the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c are supported by atleast two points in the third guide portion 1123 a provided in the fixedportion 1010 to move linearly along a predetermined path of the guideportion, and are supported by one point on the bottom surface in thefourth guide portion 1123 b provided in the rotating portion 1110. Theguide balls 1111 b and 1111 c supported by one point form a curvedmoving path on the bottom surface 26 b of the guide portion of therotating portion 1110 according to the movement of the carrier, which isthe rotating portion 1110.

In addition, referring to FIG. 17B, the rotating portion 1110 whichrotates relative to the fixed portion 1010 with respect to the rotationaxis may be guided by the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c. The guide balls1111 b and 1111 c may include a third guide portion 1123 a-1 and afourth guide portion 1123 b-1, provided in a straight line in therotation direction.

In this case, the third guide portion 1123 a-1 provided in the housing,which is the fixed portion 1010, has a bottom surface 26 a-1 and bothside surfaces 25 a-1, and the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c aresupported by one point on the bottom surface 26 a-1. When the guideballs 1111 b and 1111 c come into contact with either of both sidesurfaces 25 a-1, the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c cannot rolling moveany more, and thus, both side surfaces 25 a-1 may function as stoppers.In addition, the fourth guide portion 1123 b-1 provided in the carrier,which is the rotating portion 1110, has a bottom surface 26 b-1 and bothside surfaces 25 b-1, and the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c may besupported by at least two points on both side surfaces 25 b-1 (may alsobe supported up to the bottom surface 26 b-1).

In this manner, the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c are supported by atleast two points in the fourth guide portion 1123 b-1 provided in therotating portion 1110 to move linearly along a predetermined path of theguide portion, and are supported by one point on the bottom surface inthe third guide portion 11231-1 provided in the fixed portion 1010, andthe one point supported guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c form a curved pathon the bottom surface 26 a-1 of the guide portion of the fixed portion1010 according to the movement of the carrier, which is the rotatingportion 1110.

Referring further to FIGS. 18 to 20 , a first coil 1114 is provided onthe bottom of the housing 1010, and a first magnet 1113 facing the firstcoil 1114 is provided on the carrier 1110. In addition, to detect therotation position of the carrier 1110, a first position detection sensor1115 may be provided in the housing 1010 to face the first magnet 1113.

The first magnet 1113 may be provided in a rounded shape inconsideration of the rotation of the carrier 1110. The first magnet 1113may have an inner end and an outer end in a circular arc shape, and inmore detail, the first magnet 1113 has an inner end and an outer end ofa circular arc centered on the rotating shaft ball 1111 a.

For example, the first magnet 1113 may be provided in a shape in which adonut is partially cut off. In addition, the first magnet 1113 may beprovided to have an N pole and an S pole in the rotation direction.

In the carrier 1110, a rear yoke 1113 a that maintains or furtherimproves the performance of the first magnet 1113 by focusing magnetismon the rear surface of the first magnet 1113, for example, between thecarrier 1110 and the first magnet 1113, may be further provided. Inconsideration of the fact that the first magnet 1113 has a roundedshape, the rear yoke 1113 a may be provided in a relatively larger shapeto face the first magnet 1113.

In addition, the first coil 1114 may also be disposed in a positioncorresponding to the first magnet 1113. The first coil 1114 may beprovided as one or two or more first coils, and the first coil 1114 maybe disposed in a rounded shape or a bent shape corresponding to theshape of the first magnet 1113. For example, when two first coils 1114are provided, the coils may be disposed to implement a bent shape as awhole, for example, a ‘V’ shape.

For example, when the first magnet 1113 is magnetized with three polesof ‘N pole, S pole, N pole’ or ‘S pole, N pole, S pole’ in the rotationdirection of the carrier 1110, the first coil 1114 may be provided intwo so that respective coils may be disposed to face the poles at themiddle and left and right ends at the same time.

For example, in the case of the ‘N pole, S pole, N pole’ magnet, one ofthe two first coils 1114 may be disposed to substantially face the Npole on the left and the left half of the S pole in the middle, and theother may be disposed to substantially face the N pole on the right andthe right half of the S pole in the middle.

Of course, the first magnet 1113 may be provided as two magnets eachseparated by two poles, and may be disposed to face the two first coils1114, respectively. In this case, the first magnet 1113 may have arounded shape or a straight shape.

On the other hand, the first magnet 1113 may be provided between thefirst ball members (1111) 1111 a, 1111 b, and 1111 c. In more detail,the first magnet 1113 may be disposed between the rotating shaft ball1111 a and the guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c.

The first ball members (1111) 1111 a, 1111 b, and 1111 c, for example,one rotating shaft ball 1111 a and two guide balls 1111 b and 1111 c,may be disposed in a triangular shape.

The center of gravity or the geometric center of the first magnet 1113may be provided inside of a triangle formed by the first ball members(1111) 1111 a, 1111 b, and 1111 c. The carrier 1110 is in close contactwith the housing 1010 by the attraction between the first yoke 1112 andthe first magnet 1113, and the carrier 1110 is not inclined to eitherside by the attraction generated at this time.

On the other hand, since the center of gravity or the geometric centerof the first magnet 1113 is provided inside of the triangle formed bythe first ball members (1111) 1111 a, 1111 b, and 1111 c, when the powersupply to the reflection module 1100 is stopped, the first carrier 1110may be moved to the initial position by the attraction of the magnet1113 and the first yoke 1112.

The initial position may be adjusted depending on the arrangement of thefirst magnet 1113 and the first yoke 1112, for example, in the case ofthe present embodiment, the position in which the reflective member 1150is aligned parallel to the optical axis direction may be preferable.

The two first coils 1114 facing the first magnet 1113 may also bedisposed between the rotating shaft ball 1111 a and the guide balls 1111b and 1111 c.

In addition, the first position detection sensor 1115 for sensing theposition of the carrier 1110 may be disposed to face the first magnet1113. The first position detection sensor 1115 may be a Hall sensor. Oneor two or more first position detection sensors 1115 may be provided formore accurate position detection of the carrier 1110.

The first position detection sensor 1115 may be provided between thefirst coil 1114 and the rotating shaft ball 1111 a when viewed in a planview. In the case of the rotating carrier 1110, the moving distancethereof becomes longer as the distance from the rotating shaft 1111 aincreases, and when moving away from the rotating shaft ball 1111 aforming the rotating shaft by considering that the carrier 1110 of thisembodiment rotates a large amount (rotation angle approximately ±25degrees), since the movement distance increases, a relatively largenumber of position detection sensors may be required.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the first position detectionsensor 1115 may be disposed in an inside of the first coil 1114, forexample, on a position close to the rotating shaft ball 1111 a forming arotating shaft.

On the other hand, a first yoke 1112 may be provided in the housing 1010to face the first magnet 1113. The first yoke 1112 may serve as apulling yoke that closely contacts the carrier 1110 to the housing 1010.

In addition, the first yoke 1112 may be provided in the housing 1010 tosurround (finishing) the first coil 1114, and accordingly, magneticfield (magnetic) leakage of the first magnet 1113 or the first coil 1114may be prevented.

The first yoke 1112 may enable the carrier 1110 to be in close contactwith the housing 1010 by the attraction with the first magnet 1113, andthus, the first yoke 1112 may be provided to face the first magnet 1113with the coil 1114 or the like therebetween, in a shape similar to thefirst magnet 1113.

For example, the first yoke 1112 may be provided in a rounded shape inwhich a donut is partially cut, and may be provided to be larger thanboth the first magnet 1113 and the first coil 1114 to surround the same.

With additional reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 , the rotation holder 1130is provided in the carrier 1110. The rotation holder 1130 is providedwith the reflective member 1150, and the rotation holder 1130 isrotationally driven by a second driving unit. The second driving unitincludes a second magnet 1133 and a second coil 1134.

The reflective member 1150 may change the traveling direction of light.For example, the reflective member 1150 may be a mirror or a prismreflecting light (for convenience of explanation, the reflective member1150 is illustrated as a prism in the drawings related to anembodiment).

The reflective member 1150 is fixed to the rotation holder 1130. Therotation holder 1130 is provided with a mounting surface 1136 on whichthe reflective member 1150 is mounted.

The mounting surface 1136 of the rotation holder 1130 may be configuredas an inclined surface such that the path of light is changed. Forexample, the mounting surface 1136 may be an inclined surface inclined30 to 60 degrees with respect to the optical axis (Z axis) of theplurality of lenses. The inclined surface of the rotation holder 1130may face the opening 1031 of the cover 1030 through which light isincident.

Further, on an end of the mounting surface 1136 in the lens module(1200) direction in the optical axis direction, a plurality ofprotrusions 1136 a may be provided toward the reflective member 1150 toreduce the occurrence of flares due to light reflection, diffraction, orthe like.

The end of the protrusion 1136 a may be sharply formed, and theprotrusion 1136 a may be provided over a predetermined area of the endportion of the mounting surface 1136.

The rotation holder 1130 may be supported in close contact with thecarrier 1110 with two second ball members 1131 sandwiched therebetween.

Accordingly, the carrier 1110 and the rotation holder 1130 areselectively provided with a first magnetic body 1138 and a secondmagnetic body 1132, respectively, and the rotation holder 1130 is inclose contact with the carrier 1110 by the attraction of the firstmagnetic body 1138 and the second magnetic body 1132.

When the first magnetic body 1138 is a magnet, for example, the fourthmagnet 1138, a rear yoke is further provided on the rear surface of thefourth magnet 1138 to maintain or further improve the performance of thefourth magnet 1138 by focusing magnetism.

As illustrated in detail in FIG. 20 , when the fourth magnet 1138 isprovided in the carrier 1110, the rear yoke 1113 a may be used incommon. For example, the carrier 1110 is provided with the rear yoke1113 a that maintains or further improves the performance of the firstmagnet 1113 by focusing the magnetism of the first magnet 1113, and therear yoke 1113 a may be provided to cover the rear surface of the fourthmagnet 1138 by increasing the length of the rear yoke 1113 a.Accordingly, the rear yoke 1113 a may include an extension portion 1113b extending to the rear surface of the fourth magnet 1138.

In this case, in the case of the reflection module 1100 (folded module)according to one or more examples, a first magnetic body 1138 and asecond magnetic body 1132 may be provided selectively on the carrier1110 and the rotation holder 1130. Further, the rotation holder 1130 maybe provided to be supported by the carrier 1110 by the attractive forceof the first magnetic body 1138 and the second magnetic body 1132. Thefirst magnetic body 1138 and the second magnetic body 1132 may beprovided to face each other in the second axis A2 direction. Thereflection module 1100 (folded module) according to the presentembodiment has a structure in which the rotation holder 1130 is placedon an upper portion of the carrier 1110, and thus, the rotation holder1130 may be supported toward the carrier 1110 for driving stability.

In this case, the first magnetic body 1138 or the second magnetic body1132 is a magnetic material, and may be a material having magnetism, forexample, a material that is magnetized in a magnetic field (includingboth metal or non-metal materials). The first magnetic body 1138 or thesecond magnetic body 1132 may be a pulling magnet or a pulling yoke.

For example, when the first magnetic body 1138 is a pulling magnet, thesecond magnetic body 1132 may be a pulling yoke or a pulling magnet. Inaddition, when the first magnetic body 1138 is a pulling yoke, thesecond magnetic body 1132 may be a pulling magnet.

The rotation holder 1130 rotates relative to the carrier 1110 based on afirst axis (an axis parallel to the X axis) connecting the two secondball members 1131 to each other.

Accordingly, the carrier 1110 is provided with two first supportportions 1141 on both sides in the X-axis direction, and the rotationholder 1130 is provided with two second support portions 1143 which aremounted on the first support portions 1141 and are disposed on bothsides in the X-axis direction to correspond to each other.

The second ball member 1131 may be provided between the pairs of thefirst support portions 1141 and the second support portions 1143provided on both sides, respectively. In addition, the two second ballmembers 1131 may form a first axis A1 that is parallel to the X-axisdirection and is a rotation axis of the rotation holder 1130.

Since the two second ball members 1131 need to form a rotating shaft,the positions thereof are not changed and may be rotated or fixed inplace by themselves while being fixed in one place. Accordingly, therotation holder 1130 may rotate about the first axis A1 formed by thetwo second ball members 1131 as an axis.

Accordingly, the first support portion 1141 and the second supportportion 1143 are provided with a guide portion (for example, a groove, anotch, a collar, a divot, etc.) into which the second ball member 1131is inserted.

The first support portion 1141 of the carrier 1110 is provided with afifth guide portion 1141 a, and the second support portion 1143 of therotation holder 1130 is provided with a sixth guide portion 1143 a, suchthat the second ball members 1131 are inserted.

Since the spherical second ball member 1131 should not be moved inposition, at least one of the fifth guide portion 1141 a and the sixthguide portion 1143 a may be supported by at least three points by thesecond ball member 1131. In this case, the rotating shaft ball 1111 amay be provided to be fixed to either the housing 1010 or the carrier1110, and a guide portion that is not moved in position may be providedon the other of the housing 1010 or the carrier 1110.

For example, FIGS. 16A and 16B are reference diagrams illustrating anexample of a structure in which a ball member of a camera module,according to one or more examples, is fixed to be supported by threepoints, on a guide portion.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, since the ball members 1111 a and 1131forming the rotating shaft cannot move their position, the positionsthereof may be fixed by a three-point support structure.

The ball members 1111 a and 1131 may be inserted into the guide portions1121 a, 1121 b, 1141 a, and 1143 a.

In addition, the ball member inserted into the guide portion maymaintain a supported state by contacting the guide portion only at threepoints P to maintain an accurate position inside the guide portion.

If the ball member contacts the guide portion at four or more points, itmay be driven in a biased state, such as forming contact at only threepoints according to manufacturing tolerances or driving conditions ofthe guide portion or the ball member.

To this end, the guide portions 1121 a, 1121 b, 1141 a, and 1143 a maybe provided in a shape in which each corner is cut in a triangularpyramid (tetrahedron) shape.

The spherical ball members 1111 a and 1131 are supported at three pointsP on the inner side surfaces of the guide portions 1121 a, 1121 b, 1141a, and 1143 a, and thus, the guide portions include three first surfaces21. Therefore, the three contact points P of the ball members 1111 a and1131 and the guide portions 1121 a, 1121 b, 1141 a and 1143 a are formedon the first surfaces 21.

In this case, the first surface 21 is a portion of the side surface, andthe side surface includes the first surface 21 on which the ball members1111 a and 1131 contact, and a second surface 23 provided between thefirst surfaces 21 (for example, provided adjacent to two of the firstsurfaces) and not in contact with the ball members 1111 a and 1131.

In addition, a triangular pyramid (tetrahedron) may be implemented byextending the three side surfaces (first surfaces 21) to which the ballmembers 1111 a and 1131 are respectively in point contact. For example,a line segment formed by extending the three side surfaces that are inpoint contact with the ball members 1111 a and 1131 and intersect eachother may implement the corners of a triangular pyramid (tetrahedron).In addition, a triangular pyramid implemented by extending three sidesurfaces may be an equilateral triangular pyramid.

On the other hand, the guide portions 1121 a, 1121 b, 1141 a, and 1143 amay be provided in a shape in which each vertex is cut in a triangularpyramid (tetrahedron) shape.

In the triangular pyramid, the incision on the inner apex of the guideportion may form a bottom 10 of the guide portion (1121 a, 1121 b, 1141a, 1143 a), and the incised portions of the remaining three apexes ofthe guide portion on the entrance side may form the second surface 23that does not contact the ball members 1111 a and 1131, among the sidesurfaces.

Both the bottom 10 and the second surface 23 are formed by cutting offthe vertices of the triangular pyramid, and thus, may all have atriangular shape, and the ball members 1111 a and 1131 do not contactthe bottom 10 and the second surface 23. In addition, the entrances ofthe guide portions 1121 a, 1121 b, 1141 a, and 1143 a may have ahexagonal shape because all the vertices are cut from the bottom of thetriangular shape of a triangular pyramid (tetrahedron).

On the other hand, the bottoms of the guide portions 1121 a, 1121 b,1141 a, and 1143 a may have a triangular shape.

A second coil 1134 is provided on a side surface of the housing 1010,and a second magnet 1133 facing the second coil 1134 is provided on therotation holder 1130. In addition, to detect the rotation position ofthe rotation holder 1130, the housing 1010 may be provided with a secondposition detection sensor 1135 to face the second magnet 1133.

The second magnet 1133 may be magnetized to have an N pole and an S polein a direction of the second axis A2 perpendicular to the first axis A1,and the rotation holder 1130 may rotate with respect to the carrier 1110based on the first axis A1 by interaction between the second magnet 1133and the second coil 1134.

In this case, the side surface of the housing 1010 on which the secondcoil 1134 is provided may mean a side surface perpendicular to theoptical axis.

The rotation holder 1130 may have a rounded end portion in considerationof being provided on the carrier 1110 that rotates. In addition, thesecond magnet 1133 may be provided on the end of a rounded shape of therotation holder 1130, which is an opposite side to the direction inwhich the reflective member 1150 is installed. Accordingly, the secondmagnet 1133 may also be provided in a rounded shape. The second magnet1133 may have an inner end and an outer end in a circular arc shape, andin more detail, the second magnet 1133 has an inner end and an outer endto correspond to an arc shape of a circle centered on the rotating shaftball 1111 a.

On the rotation holder 1130, a rear yoke 1133 a may further be providedto maintain or further improve the performance of the second magnet 1133by focusing magnetism on the rear surface of the second magnet 1133, forexample, between the rotation holder 1130 and the second magnet 1133.Considering that the second magnet 1133 has a rounded shape, the rearyoke 1133 a may have a relatively larger shape corresponding to thesecond magnet 1133.

The second coil 1134 may also be disposed in a position corresponding tothe second magnet 1133.

The second coil 1134 may be provided as one or two or more second coils,and the second coil 1134 may be disposed in a rounded shape or a bentshape to correspond to the shape of the second magnet 1133. For example,the second coil 1134 may be provided in two, and the two coils 1134 maybe disposed on both sides to face the second magnet 1133, and when thesecond coil 1134 is provided in two, the second coils may be disposed toimplement an overall bent shape, for example, a ‘V’ shape.

Of course, the second magnet 1133 may be provided as two separatemagnets, and may also be disposed to face the two first coils 1134,respectively. In this case, the second magnet 1133 may have a roundedshape or a linear shape.

The second magnet 1133 may be provided at an end that is farthest fromthe first axis A1, which is a rotation axis of the rotation holder 1130.For example, the second magnet 1133 may be provided on the end of therounded shape.

The second yoke 1132 (second magnetic body) and the fourth magnet 1138(first magnetic body) serve as a pulling yoke and a pulling magnet,respectively, and may be optionally provided on the rotation holder 1130or the carrier 1110. The second yoke 1132 and the fourth magnet 1138 maybe respectively provided in one or two or more to face each other in theY-axis direction.

Since the rotation holder 1130 is supported by the carrier 1110 androtates relative thereto, the second yoke 1132 and the fourth magnet1138 disposed to face each other may be disposed in positions not tointerfere with the rotation of the rotation holder 1130.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the second yoke 1132 and the fourthmagnet 1138 are very close to the rotating shaft A1 and respectively twothereof may be provided below the first axis A1, to sufficiently exertpulling force and not to interfere with the rotation of the rotationholder 1130 as much as possible. Accordingly, the first axis A1, thesecond yoke 1132, and the fourth magnet 1138 may be aligned in theY-axis direction, and may be provided on approximately the same positionin the optical axis (Z-axis) direction (see FIG. 21 ).

The second position detection sensor 1135 for detecting the position ofthe rotation holder 1130 may be disposed to face the second magnet 1133.The second position detection sensor 1135 may be a Hall sensor. Thesecond position detection sensor 1135 may be provided in one or two ormore for more accurate position detection of the rotation holder 1130.

The second position detecting sensor 1135 may be provided verticallybetween the two second coils 1134.

On the other hand, the carrier 1110 may be provided with two firstsupport portions 1141 protruding on both sides in the X-axis direction,and the rotation holder 1130 may be provided with two second supportportions 1143 mounted on the first support portions 1141, on both sidesin the X-axial direction.

In this case, the first support portion 1141 may have an open upperportion, and a structure in which the second support portion 1143 isfitted to the first support portion 1141 from the top to the lowerportion may be provided.

In addition, the carrier 1110 may further include a first auxiliarymember 1160 covering the open upper portion of the first support portion1141. Since the second support portion 1143 rotates, the first auxiliarymember 1160 may not be in close contact with the second support portion1143 and may have a slight gap therewith, so as not to interfere withthe rotation of the second support portion 1143.

The first auxiliary member 1160 may serve as a stopper that prevents therotation holder 1130 from being separated from the carrier 1110 or abuffer member that absorbs the shock when the second support portion1143 collides with other parts due to displacement.

When the second support portion 1143 is coupled to the first supportportion 1141, the first auxiliary member 1160 may be fitted into thecarrier 1110 through the side surface to cover the second supportportion 1143 from the top. Accordingly, a slit-shaped coupling hole 1142may be provided in the carrier 1110 such that the first auxiliary member1160 is inserted.

The first auxiliary member 1160 may be provided with a bent portion 1163for preventing a separation thereof on an end of a body 1161 having a‘E’ shape for firmed coupling. In addition, the body 1161 may include afixed portion 1161 a of which a portion is fitted to the carrier 1110,and a damping portion 1161 b disposed on the second support portion 1143and coupled to a damping member 1165.

The damping member 1165 has a damping protrusion 1165 a protrudingtoward the second support portion 1143, and the damping protrusion 1165a may be provided to face the second ball member 1131 provided on thesecond support portion 1143. The structure of the damping protrusion1165 a may efficiently perform a buffering or stopping role of therotation holder 1130.

In addition, the damping member 1165 may further include a bufferprotrusion 1165 b protruding toward the cover 1030.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the rotation holder 1130 isseparated from the carrier 1110, the end of the rotation holder 1130,for example, the upper portion of the rounded portion on which thesecond magnet 1133 is installed may also collide with an inner wall ofthe cover 1030.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, a second auxiliary member 1040may be provided to prevent the end of the rotation holder 1130 fromcolliding with the cover 1030 or to absorb an impact.

The second auxiliary member 1040 may be provided in a ‘E’ shape suchthat an end portion thereof may be fitted to the side surface of thehousing 1010 to be fixed. In addition, the second auxiliary member 1040may be provided with a buffer member 1043 that is further providedbetween the second auxiliary member and the rotation holder 1130 or thecover 1030 to facilitate shock absorption.

The second ball member 1131 may be provided between the first supportportion 1141 and the second support portion 1143. In addition, the twosecond ball members 1131 provided on both sides may form a first axis A1that is formed as a connection line therebetween which is in parallelwith the X-axis direction while being the rotation axis of the rotationholder 1130.

FIG. 21 is a reference diagram for explaining a positional relationshipbetween two axes in which a reflection module rotates in a cameramodule, according to one or more examples.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the reflection module 1100 according to one ormore examples may be provided in such a manner that the reflectivemember 1150 rotates about two axes.

The carrier 1110 provided in the housing 1010 may rotate based on thefirst axis A1 formed by the rotating shaft ball 1111 a, and the rotationholder 1130 provided in the carrier 1110 may rotate based on the secondaxis A2 formed by the second ball member 1131.

Accordingly, the reflective member 1150 provided in the rotation holder1130 may rotate based on the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. Inthe illustration of FIG. 21 , a portion illustrated by a dotted lineincludes the rotation holder 1130, and the rotation holder 1130 mayrotate with respect to the first axis A1. In addition, a portionillustrated by a solid line includes the carrier 1110, and the carrier1110 may rotate based on the second axis A2.

The first axis A1 and the second axis A2 intersect each other, and therotating shaft ball 1111 a forming the second axis A2 and the two ballmembers 1131 forming the first axis A1 may be disposed on a plane onwhich both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 are provided. Indetail, when viewed in the direction in which light is incident, forexample, in the direction of the second axis A2, the rotation axis ball1111 a and the two ball members 1131 may be aligned in the direction ofthe first axis A1 perpendicular to the optical axis.

In the reflection module 1100 according to the present embodiment, theintersection of the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 may be formedat approximately the center of the mounting surface 1136 on which thereflective member 1150 is mounted. For example, the first axis A1 may beformed along the mounting surface 1136 in a direction parallel to theX-axis direction, and the second axis A2 may be provided to penetrateapproximately through the center of the mounting surface 1136.

The reflective member 1150 is mounted on the mounting surface 1136, andthe approximately center of the mounting surface 1136 may substantiallycorrespond to the center of the reflective surface. Therefore, when theintersection point of the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 is formedat approximately the center of the mounting surface 1136, the actualrotation amount of the rotation holder 1130 approximately matches therotation amount of the reflective surface, for example, the mountingsurface 1136, and thus, controlling shake correction or tracking may berelatively very easy.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are views for explaining a shape of an opening of acover (cover member) in a camera module, according to one or moreexamples.

The cover 1030 of the present embodiment includes an opening 1031through which light is incident, and the opening 1031 may be provided ina substantially hexagonal shape.

The carrier 1110 of the reflection module 1100 rotates based on a secondaxis A2 parallel to the direction (Y-axis direction) in which light isincident on the camera module 1000, and the rotation angle thereof isapproximately ±25 degrees as a relatively very large degree.

Therefore, the opening 1031 is provided in a substantially hexagonalshape to sufficiently receive the incident light while reducing theincidence of unnecessary light.

For example, when the carrier 1110 rotates about the second axis A2 withrespect to the housing 1010, the reflective member 1150 rotates, and theangle may change slightly in a state in which the edge portion isaligned in parallel with the optical axis direction (Z axis direction).Accordingly, in consideration of a maximum rotation angle of thereflective member 1150, a side of the entrance hole positioned in thelateral direction of the housing 1010 may be formed substantiallyparallel to the edge of the reflective member 1150.

FIG. 22A illustrates a shape when the reflective member 1150 is rotatedat a maximum in a clockwise direction with respect to the second axisA2, and FIG. 22B illustrates a shape in which the reflective member 1150is rotated at a maximum counterclockwise with respect to the second axisA2.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an integrated substrate installed inthe camera module, according to one or more examples, and FIG. 24 is aperspective view illustrating a state in which the integrated substrateis installed in the housing of the camera module, according to one ormore examples.

The main substrate 1070 according one or more examples may be providedintegrally. Further, the main substrate 1070 may be provided with coils1114 and 1134 for driving the reflection module 1100 of the first andsecond driving units, and a plurality of coils 1241 b and 1243 b fordriving the lens module 1200 of the third driving unit, which may bemounted on an inner surface of the main substrate. In addition,components (not illustrated) such as active devices and various passivedevices, gyro sensors (not illustrated), and the like may be mounted onthe outer surface of the main substrate. Accordingly, the main substrate1070 may be a double-sided substrate.

In addition, the main substrate 1070 may be coupled to the housing 1010.Since the integrally provided main substrate 1070 is coupled to thehousing 1010 in the state in which all the coils of the driving unit aremounted on the main substrate 1070, assembly may be relatively easy.

FIG. 25 is a reference diagram illustrating two lens barrels of a cameramodule according to one or more other examples, and FIG. 26 is areference diagram illustrating three lens barrels of a camera moduleaccording to one or more still other examples.

Referring to FIG. 25 , a camera module 1001 according to one or moreother examples may include a reflection module 1100 and a lens module1201.

In addition, the lens module 1201 may include two or more lens holders1221 and 1223 to implement an improved autofocusing or zoom function.

The two or more lens holders 1221 and 1223 may respectively move in thedirection of the optical axis (Z axis), and may be individuallycontrolled.

When the camera module 1001 includes two or more lens holders 1221 and1223, one thereof may be used for autofocusing, and the remaining or alllens holders may be used to implement the zoom function. Therefore,further improved autofocusing or zoom function may be implemented.

Referring to FIG. 26 , a camera module 1002 according to one or morestill other examples may include a reflection module 1100 and a lensmodule 1202.

In addition, the lens module 1202 may include three or more lens holders1231, 1233 and 1235 to implement an improved autofocusing or zoomfunction.

Any one of the three or more lens holders 1231, 1233 and 1235, forexample, the lens holder 1231 provided closest to the reflection module1100, has a fixed position, and the remaining two or more lens holders1233 and 1235 may respectively move in the direction of the optical axis(Z axis), and may be individually controlled.

The camera module 1002 may be provided in such a manner that a portion1231 of the lenses aligned in the optical axis direction is fixed, andtwo or more remaining lens holders 1233 and 1235 may move in the opticalaxis direction.

When a portion of the plurality of lenses is additionally provided as afixed lens, a further improved optical effect may be implemented. Inaddition, since any one of the movable lens holders may be used forautofocusing, and the remaining or all lens holders may be used toimplement the zoom function, further improved autofocusing or zoomfunction may be implemented.

Through these examples, the camera module and the portable electronicdevice including the camera module according to one or more examples mayimplement functions such as autofocusing, zoom, shake correction, PIP,tracking, etc., while the structure is relatively simple and the drivingmay be significantly easy.

As set forth above, according to one or more examples, shaking may beeasily corrected in not only imaging a fixed subject but also incapturing video of a moving subject.

In addition, a folded module (a camera module) capable of tracking amoving subject and a portable electronic device including the same maybe provided.

While specific examples have been shown and described above, it will beapparent after an understanding of this disclosure that various changesin form and details may be made in these examples without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examplesdescribed herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only, andnot for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects ineach example are to be considered as being applicable to similarfeatures or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may be achievedif the described techniques are performed in a different order, and/orif components in a described system, architecture, device, or circuitare combined in a different manner, and/or replaced or supplemented byother components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of thedisclosure is defined not by the detailed description, but by the claimsand their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claimsand their equivalents are to be construed as being included in thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A folded module comprising: a housing including afirst space and a second space; a reflection module disposed in thefirst space; and a lens module disposed in the second space, wherein alength of the first space in the first axis direction perpendicular toan optical axis direction is longer than that of the second space. 2.The folded module of claim 1, wherein the first space and the secondspace satisfy the following relationship: 1<A/B<2, where A is the lengthof the first space in the first axis direction and B is the length ofthe second space in the first axis direction.
 3. The folded module ofclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first space has a roundedshape corresponding to the arc shape of a circle centered on the secondaxis perpendicular to an optical axis and a first axis.
 4. The foldedmodule of claim 3, wherein the reflection module comprising: a carrierdisposed in the housing; and a rotation holder disposed in the carrierand mounted a reflective member, wherein at least each of a portion ofthe carrier and the rotation holder has a rounded shape corresponding tothe arc shape of a circle centered on the second axis perpendicular tothe optical axis and the first axis.
 5. The folded module of claim 4,wherein the carrier includes a first support portion provided on bothsides in the first axis direction and having an open shape in a secondaxis direction, and wherein the rotation holder includes a secondsupport portion provided on both sides in the first axis direction anddisposed on the first support portion.
 6. The folded module of claim 5,further comprising: a first auxiliary member coupled to the firstsupport portion to cover the second support portion, and wherein thesecond support portion and the first auxiliary member have a gap in thesecond axis direction.
 7. The folded module of claim 6, wherein thefirst auxiliary member includes a damping protrusion protruding towardthe second axis direction.
 8. The folded module of claim 6, wherein thefirst support portion includes a slit-shaped coupling hole into whichthe first auxiliary member is inserted.
 9. The folded module of claim 4,further comprising: a second auxiliary member coupled to the housing tocover at least a portion of the rotation holder.
 10. The folded moduleof claim 1, wherein the lens module includes a lens holder accommodatinga plurality of lenses mounted along the optical axis direction.
 11. Thefolded module of claim 10, further comprising: a third auxiliary membercoupled to the housing to cover at least a portion of the lens holder.12. The folded module of claim 1, further comprising: a cover providedto cover the housing, wherein the cover includes an opening throughwhich light is incident, and the opening has a hexagonal shape.
 13. Thefolded module of claim 1, further comprising: an image sensor moduledisposed at the rear of the lens module, and one or more baffles isdisposed between the lens module and the image sensor module.
 14. Thefolded module of claim 1, further comprising: a driving unit including aplurality of magnets and a plurality of coils and driving the reflectionmodule and the lens module; and a main board on which at least some ofthe plurality of coils are disposed and mounted on the housing, whereinat least a portion of the main board mounted on the side surface of thehousing is inclined to the optical axis direction.
 15. A folded modulecomprising: a housing; a carrier disposed in the housing; and a rotationholder disposed in the carrier and on which a reflective memberconverting the light path, wherein each of at least a portion of thehousing, the carrier and the rotation holder has a rounded shapecorresponding to the arc shape of a circle centered on the second axisperpendicular to an optical axis and a first axis, and wherein the firstaxis and the second axis are perpendicular to the optical axis and crosseach other.
 16. The folded module of claim 15, further comprising: acover provided to cover the housing, wherein the cover includes anopening through which light is incident, and the opening has a hexagonalshape.